Episode 4 - Skill building: How Europe professionalizes Pickleball

Coaching certifications, referee pathways & the Rrise of PB AcademiesIn this fourth episode of Pickleball Passport we dive into how Europe is stepping up its game – literally.With player numbers growing fast, it's not just about hitting dinks and drives anymore – it's about building quality in coaching, refereeing, and training culture. But what programs do we currently have in Europe and how can you become a coach or referee?(00:00)-(00:33) – Intro(00:34)-(02:29) – Topic Overview (02:36)-(08:40) – Coaches(08:43)-(22:07) – Sarah Ansboury (PPR) Players Lounge(22:09)-(25:12) – IPTPA Certification(25:14)-(31:55) – Rob Williams (IPTPA) Players Lounge (31:58)-(37:19) – Detail Information on Coaching (37:21)-(46:13) - Maria Munz (EPF) Players Lounge(46:53)-(57:39) - Referee Stefan Players LoungeWhat you’ll hear in Episode 4:The two main international coach certification programs currently offered in Europe: PPR – Professional Pickleball Registry (official partner of USA Pickleball) & IPTPA – International Pickleball Teaching Professional AssociationWhat they cost, how they work, and what makes them differentWhat kind of coach Europe really needs – and what makes a great oneHow referee education is coordinated by the EPF (European Pickleball Federation)Why most players still get the role of referees totally wrong 😉Plus: real voices from the community – including Pro Player, Coach & Vice President of the PPR Coach Sarah Ansboury (PPR), Rob Williams (IPTPA), Maria Munz (EPF) and Referee Stefan from BelgiumPLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & EXPERTS //Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:Sarah Ansboury (PPR, USA) – @sarahansboury & @pprpickleball Rob Williams (IPTPA, UK) – @robwilliamspb & @IPTPAMaria Munz (EPF, DE) – @europeanpickleballfederationStefan Entbrouxk (Referee, BE) – @stefanentbrouxkLEARN MORE – LINKS //PPR Certification Workshops & Program: https://pprpickleball.org/events_workshop/IPTPA Certification & Program Overview: https://iptpa.com/ & UK Info via: https://www.pickleballengland.org/iptpa/EPF Referee Program & Federation Info: https://europeanpickleballfederation.org/SHARE YOUR PB STORIES! //We’d love to hear thoughts! Comment on the RAQT‘s instagram @raqtfamily posting to let us know and share your thoughts with #pickleballpassport. ABOUT RAQT //RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.Download the RAQT app (available in Apple App store &  Google Play store) – plan, play, compete.GET IN TOUCH //Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love tot he cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected]